20 best movies of 2014

20. 'Gone Girl'

Photo: Merrick Morton /

Though not nearly as balanced as Gillian Flynn's devastating look at marital expectations, David Fincher's big-screen adaptation (also written by Flynn, who lives in Chicago) still vividly captures the novel's unflinching look at human nature. Ben Affleck does some of his best work, and Rosamund Pike finally arrives as a major movie star (even if the movie version of Amy lacks some of the dimensions she has on the page). Manipulation, deception, scheming: That's love, right? (No.) Click here for our full review

Though not nearly as balanced as Gillian Flynn's devastating look at marital expectations, David Fincher's big-screen adaptation (also written by Flynn, who lives in Chicago) still vividly captures the novel's unflinching look at human nature. Ben Affleck does some of his best work, and Rosamund Pike finally arrives as a major movie star (even if the movie version of Amy lacks some of the dimensions she has on the page). Manipulation, deception, scheming: That's love, right? (No.) Click here for our full review (Photo: Merrick Morton /)

The late comedy/TV/theater legend certainly deserves a longer, deeper documentary than this, but "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me" still manages the challenging feat of capturing her spirit without editing her into something she never was. In a world that sometimes seems to run on political correctness and spin, Stritch was the queen of a B.S.-free zone. It's no surprise so many flocked to it during her life and career. Click here for our full review

The late comedy/TV/theater legend certainly deserves a longer, deeper documentary than this, but "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me" still manages the challenging feat of capturing her spirit without editing her into something she never was. In a world that sometimes seems to run on political correctness and spin, Stritch was the queen of a B.S.-free zone. It's no surprise so many flocked to it during her life and career. Click here for our full review